We make lists and we pressure our parents into buying us everything we can imagine because Christmas is the holiday of "getting". We constantly long for new toys or devices or clothes that take up space and time from living in the moment. Christmas is not just about what is waiting for us under the tree. It is about the man who died for our sins. The one who purified us all and cleansed our souls with an endless love. We should celebrate Him more.
My family is not particularly religious. A few of us attend church every week and are faithful believers, and some are not too keen on the "idea". With that said, typically our Christmas presents would be experiences. We would get to travel for two weeks and scuba dive or zip line or hike or stay in the mountains. Being away every Christmas was a tradition that we all loved; however, it sort of contradicts the purpose of this article because Jesus took a backseat while our adventures took ahold of the wheel. But looking back now on all of the memories, it opened my eyes to knowing there is more to this season than just receiving.
It's super easy to lose track of the real meaning of the holiday, especially when you are surrounded by family and friends, and Christmas music is somehow always playing in the background. You deck your whole house out with red and green, and decorate the Christmas tree with enough room surrounding it for all the wrapped goods. Of course, it's more than okay to get gifts, but I think He needs more recognition in terms of giving. After all, He gave the greatest gift of all. It's important to not forget His word while deciding which present to open first.
How beautiful is it that someone decided that we were all worthy of a love that knows no bounds and delves right into forgiveness. Forgiving those who have hurt you is a difficult process. You are giving them a new chance to make the same mistake, which is scary but is that not what Jesus wanted? He forgives us for all our sins. He was born on this day to be a perfect human being. And so that one day, He could sacrifice His body and life so we could be saved.
We each spend this day differently. To some it holds no meaning, and for the followers of Christ it's about praising His name. Meaningful gifts will go a long way, but a meaningful heart will last forever. Give thanks to Him at least one time today, and make sure you spend your time wisely with your loved ones.
Matthew 1:21 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
